A Penney for your thoughts: Recent Episodes
Sean Blomgren & Andrew Penney
Welcome to a Penney for your thoughts, a podcast brought to you by Sean Blomgren and Andrew Penney, live from central Iowa. A show where we discuss all things agronomy, and high yield management, give you real-time updates on what we’re seeing and hearing about in the field, and gain insight from industry professionals as we bring you relevant and timely information on current agronomic management practices.
Sean and Andrew are back with Iowa State University’s Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis to continue their conversation about nitrogen. The conversation digs into how breeders, agronomists and growers can work together to optimize nitrogen use.
The crew discusses:
✅ Achieving high harvest indexes
✅ Whole system nitrogen management
✅ Nontraditional high yield indicators
✅ The relationship between breeders, agronomists and growers
Meet the Guests:
🌱Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis is a professor of integrated cropping systems in the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy. His research aims to predict impacts, explain causes, and design future strategies to improve crop productivity and environmental sustainability. His approach combines field experimentation and use of agricultural systems process-based models to explain Genotype x Environment x Management interactions and enable prediction and design at scale.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm.. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
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Sean and Andrew are joined by Iowa State University’s Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis to discuss his research on the relationship between different generations of corn hybrids and nitrogen variability.
The crew discusses:
✅ Managing the impacts of weather during the growing season
✅ Old era vs. new era hybrid research and data collection
✅ Yield efficiency compared to physiological efficiency
✅ Nitrogen supply in relation to post-harvest management practices
✅ GGD and SDD effects on yields
🌱 Meet the Guests:
Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis is a professor of integrated cropping systems in the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy. His research aims to predict impacts, explain causes, and design future strategies to improve crop productivity and environmental sustainability. His approach combines field experimentation and use of agricultural systems process-based models to explain Genotype x Environment x Management interactions and enable prediction and design at scale.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
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Sean and Andrew round out their conversations at Purdue University with five of the best and brightest agronomy graduate students. This episode is a look into the future of agronomy, as we hear about research currently being conducted at one of the top ag universities.
The crew discusses:
✅ Target site vs. non-target site weed resistance
✅ How adjuvants can make or break the success of an application
✅ International crop production challenges
✅ New research on fungicide and herbicide resistance
✅ Nutrient needs, row spacing and plant populations in short-stature corn
✅How collaboration with industry partners and other universities is moving research forward faster
🌱Meet the Guests:
Grant Isaacs, originally from Illinois, is an M.S. student under Dr. Bryan Young. His research is mainly focused on weed science, specifically, the herbicide interaction between pyridate and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides.
Jessie Lewis, originally from Illinois, is an M.S student under Dr. Bryan Young. Lewis's internship during her B.S. sparked her interest in weed science and inspired her to pursue research in Dr. Young's lab surrounding target sites and metabolic resistance.
Anelise Brun, originally from Brazil, is an M.S student under Dr. Shaun Casteel. Her graduate research is within the soybean extension, focusing on inoculation and sulfur treatments.
Morgan Goodnight, originally from Oklahoma, is a Ph.D. student under Dr. Darcy Telenko. Her studies started in tar spot disease but have been expanded to white mold and red crown rot in soybeans.
Erick Oliva Fuentes, originally from Honduras, is a Ph.D. student under Dr. Dan Quinn. His research is based mainly on short-stature corn hybrid nutrient needs, population and row spacing.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
Sean and Andrew are back with Purdue's Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti to learn how nitrogen management and digital innovations research can be translated into practical solutions for growers.
The crew discusses:
✅ The reality of nitrogen management
✅ What most growers are doing wrong when it comes to nitrogen
✅ How growers can make more informed decisions
✅ Turning formal research into practical management decisions
✅ How digital innovations are changing the way we farm
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti, a digital ag-focused quantitative agronomist, is an agronomy professor and co-director of the Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems at Purdue University. Ignacio’s research explores the integration of crop eco-physiology and plant nutrition with data science, remote sensing and crop modeling tools. His career is focused on developing both the science and scholars who will push the agriculture industry forward. Follow Ignacio on X and Instagram.
More episodes you might like:
Science of Nitrogen with Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti from Kansas State University
Apple | Spotify
Management of Nitrogen with Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti from Kansas State University
Apple | Spotify
Residue Management and Crop Physiology with Dr. Connor Sible - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Apple | Spotify
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
You know ‘em, you love ‘em, and you’ve listened to ‘em for 99 episodes and counting. Sean and Andrew are sitting down for their 100th episode to reflect on the podcast they have built, the valuable insights they have gained, the professionals they have met along the way and to ask each other a few heartfelt questions.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are sitting down with Purdue’s Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti for a conversation about revolutions happening in the people, plants and processes involved in row crop systems.
The crew discusses:
✅ The changing dynamic of agronomy professionals
✅ The ins and outs of nitrogen mineralization in corn and soybeans
✅ What makes successful ag innovations
✅ The transition from traditional agronomy to quantitative agronomy
✅ How NASA is advancing agronomic research
✅ The connections between technology, agronomy and physiology
🌱Meet the Guests:
Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti, a digital ag-focused quantitative agronomist, is an agronomy professor and co-director of Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems at Purdue University. Ignacio’s research explores the integration of crop eco-physiology and plant nutrition with data science, remote sensing and crop modeling tools. His career is focused on developing both the science and scholars who will push the agriculture industry forward. Follow Ignacio on X and Instagram.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew sit down with Purdue’s Dr. Tommy Butts to dig into the nitty-gritty of weed control in corn and soybeans.
The crew discusses:
✅ The top weed control issues across the Corn Belt
✅ The evolution of weed resistance
✅ Optimal herbicide formulations, application timing and method
✅ Recommendations for spray drone applications and adoption
✅ The impact of speed on herbicide and fungicide application effectiveness
✅ Additional tools for weed management
🌱 Meet the Guest:
Dr. Tommy Butts is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Scientist in Site-Specific Weed Management. Tommy originally hails from southern Wisconsin, where he grew up around dairy farms. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Master of Science in Agronomy-Weed Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Ph.D. in Agronomy-Weed Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tommy’s research and extension efforts focus on identifying novel weed management strategies through diversified methods, including the use of precision agriculture and application technologies in a targeted, site-specific approach. His overall goal is to generate research-supported and effective weed management educational materials to be used by farmers and in the classroom to aid in battling complex weed problems. Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn or X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew sit down with Purdue’s Dr. Tommy Butts to dig into the nitty-gritty of weed control in corn and soybeans.
The crew discusses:
✅ Weather variability’s impact on weed management
✅ Overlapping residuals
✅ Planting soybeans before corn
✅ Weed resistance
✅ Ground vs. drone herbicide applications
🌱Meet the Guests:
Dr. Tommy Butts is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Scientist in Site-Specific Weed Management. Tommy originally hails from southern Wisconsin, where he grew up around dairy farms. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Master of Science in Agronomy-Weed Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Ph.D. in Agronomy-Weed Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tommy’s research and extension efforts focus on identifying novel weed management strategies through diversified methods, including the use of precision agriculture and application technologies in a targeted, site-specific approach. His overall goal is to generate research-supported and effective weed management educational materials to be used by farmers and in the classroom to aid in battling complex weed problems. Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn or X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back with Purdue University’s Dr. Daniel Quinn to discuss the importance of keeping the fundamentals as the foundation when growing high-yield corn.
The crew discusses:
✅ The importance of the fundamentals of growing corn
✅ Interactions between genetics, inputs and management practices
✅ Trends in nutrients and fertilizers
✅ How to keep plants healthy late into the season
✅ The impact that cover crops can have on weed control
✅ Common stressors that need to be taken more seriously
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Dr. Dan Quinn is the Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University. He is originally from Michigan and earned his B.S and M.S in Crop and Soil Science at Michigan State. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky in Plant and Soil Science, where he focused on soil fertility. Dan’s Purdue research and extension program works to improve the overall production, profitability and environmental performance of corn production. Follow Dan on X and Instagram and connect with him on LinkedIn.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew sit down with Purdue University’s Dr. Daniel Quinn to talk about what takes corn from average to high-yielding.
The crew discusses:
✅ The diversity of Purdue’s corn research efforts
✅ Using variable rate technology for optimal corn planting depth
✅ How weather conditions impact young corn plants
✅ Pros and cons of cover crops
✅ The biggest factors for corn success
✅ The importance of grain fill
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Dr. Dan Quinn is the Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University. He is originally from Michigan and earned his B.S and M.S in Crop and Soil Science at Michigan State. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky in Plant and Soil Science, where he focused on soil fertility. Dan’s Purdue research and extension program works to improve the overall production, profitability and environmental performance of corn production. Follow Dan on X and Instagram and connect with him on LinkedIn.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back with another episode LIVE from Commodity Classic 2026, and this time, we’re talking with NCGA’s high-yield growers. In this edition of Our Two Cents, we’re exploring how these growers are pushing the limits of modern agriculture and advancing their yields.
The crew discusses:
✅ Reasons behind getting involved in yield contests
✅ The risk of over-fertilizing
✅ The balance between seed variety and management practices for influencing yields
✅ How to maximize sunlight capture
✅ Navigating farm management under government regulations
✅ The importance of root zone management
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Heath Cutrell farms in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. He is a national and state NCGA yield contest winner, taking home 1st and 2nd place in Virginia and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in North Carolina this year. Follow Heath on X.
🌱 Kevin Kalb is a long-time high-yield grower in southern Indiana. This year, Kevin and his family took home 5 NCGA contest titles and achieved their highest-ever farm yield average of 314 bushels per acre. Follow Kevin on X.
🌱 Josiah Garber is a farmer owner of an ag retail business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Josiah has been planting Preceon short corn since its start and brings one-of-a-kind perspectives to the podcast.
🌱 Temple Rhodes is a Maryland farmer and 2023 NCGA first-place state and national winner in conventional irrigated corn. Follow Temple on X
🌱 Chad Henderson farms in Madison, Alabama, where he brought home two first place and two second place state NCGA titles, along with 2nd place conventional irrigated corn in the national NCGA contest with a 404.3 BPA yield. Follow Chad on Instagram.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back with another episode LIVE from Commodity Classic 2026, and this time, we’re talking with NCGA’s high-yield growers. In this edition of Our Two Cents, we’re exploring how these growers are pushing the limits of modern agriculture and advancing their yields.
The crew discusses:
✅ The value of soil sampling and pH management
✅ Top-performing seed varieties
✅ A high-yield approach to nutrient management
✅ Irrigation’s role in corn production
✅ The reason behind participating in yield contests
✅ An update on corn policy
✅ Differences in management practices for Preceon corn
Meet the Guests:
🌱Corder and Curtis Hobbs farm in Elkmont, Alabama, where they took home first place in NCGA’s 2025 Yield Contest in the No-Till Irrigated division with a yield of 402.3 bushels per acre.
🌱 Josh and Jabe Watson farm corn and soybeans in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Josh won first place in the Conventional Non-Irrigated division of NCGA’s Yield Contest with a 387.6 bushels-per-acre yield, and Jabe won the Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till Non-Irrigated division with 349.1 bushels per acre.
🌱 Kelly Nieuwenhuis is a northwest Iowa farmer and industry leader, serving on the National Corn board and Iowa RFIP board. Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn.
🌱 Matt Daniels is a farmer from Colbert, Georgia, and 2024 Asgrow soybean yield winner. Matt shares his experiences with Preceon corn this year.
🌱 Jerry Seuntjens is a Kingsley, Iowa, farmer growing Preceon corn. Follow Jerry on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are kicking off our 2026 LIVE from Commodity Classic series with the Bayer team. In this edition of Our Two Cents, we’re exploring products, concepts and science that are driving the agriculture industry forward.
The crew discusses:
✅ Expected corn rootworm pressure in 2026 and the impact of extended diapause
✅ The state of technology and traits to protect against rootworm
✅ What’s coming next for Dekalb and Asgrow seeds
✅ Leveraging different modes of action for weed control
✅ Setting realistic expectations for new product releases
✅ The evolution of Fiedview and new improvements coming
✅ The value of Fieldview’s Seed Advisor Tool
✅ The inside scoop on Fieldview’s new partnership with John Deere
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Safeer Hassan is the Technical Product Lead for corn traits at Bayer. Safeer’s work focuses on protecting against corn rootworm. Connect with Safeer on LinkedIn.
🌱 Tony White is the U.S. Technical Strategy Lead for Bayer’s soybean product team. Tony’s role focuses on identifying top products for the soybean market. Connect with Tony on LinkedIn.
🌱 Josh Tooley is the Technical Product Lead for the Dekalb brand. Josh connects needs from customers and field staff to potential solutions from the Dekalb product line.
🌱 Tom Verseman is the Digital Enablement Marketing Lead at Bayer and co-host of Around the Farm Podast. Tom leads the development of Bayer’s Fieldview platform. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back with Jim Ippolito from The Ohio State University to cover all things soil health management.
The crew discusses:
✅ Impact of cover crops on soil health
✅ Balancing short-term economics with long-term farm impacts
✅ What biochar is, and how it affects soil health
✅ What to do with the increased residue from increased corn yields
✅ How much pH impacts nutrient availability
✅ The truth about manure applications
✅ Why phosphorus is hard to access
✅ How soil mineralization works, and how to optimize it
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Dr. Jim Ippolito is a professor of environmental soil health at The Ohio State University. His 30+ year career has focused on improving environmental soil fertility, chemistry, microbiology and soil health in ecosystems. His research program connects the intimate linkages between soil macro- and micro-nutrients, trace and heavy metals, microbiological activity and soil physical attributes, and how these factors combine to influence ecosystem sustainability, resiliency, food, climate and environmental security.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are joined by Jim Ippolito from The Ohio State University to dig into the science of soil health and fertility.
The crew discusses:
✅ How to define soil health
✅ What factors determine soil health
✅ The importance of soil respiration rates
✅ The effects of anaerobic soils and pH
✅ Fungal/bacterial ratios
✅ pH’s role in soil fertility and nutrient availability
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Dr. Jim Ippolito is a professor of environmental soil health at The Ohio State University. His 30+ year career has focused on improving environmental soil fertility, chemistry, microbiology and soil health in ecosystems. His research program connects the intimate linkages between soil macro- and micro-nutrients, trace and heavy metals, microbiological activity and soil physical attributes, and how these factors combine to influence ecosystem sustainability, resiliency, food, climate and environmental security.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back at Purdue University with resident tar spot expert Darcy Telenko.
The crew discusses:
✅ Efficacy of fungicide application for tar spot and southern rust
✅ Taking the emotion out of management decisions
✅ Most effective fungicide application timing for a one-pass program
✅ How drones are changing fungicide applications
✅ The yield impact of tar spot disease
✅ How to predict onset of tar spot disease
✅ What research is happening now to better understand tar spot disease
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Dr. Darcy Telenko is an associate professor of botany and plant pathology at Purdue University. Her research program focuses on promoting sustainable and economically sound disease management practices in Indiana field crops. Her interdisciplinary plant pathology research and extension program is involved in studying the biology and management of soilborne and foliar pathogens of agronomic crops. Follow Darcy on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back at Purdue University with resident tar spot expert Darcy Telenko.
The crew discusses:
✅ The changes we’ve seen in tar spot since our last conversation with Darcy
✅ Optimal temperature and moisture conditions for tar spot disease
✅ The latency period between tar spot infection and visible signs of disease
✅ How tar spot disease correlates with southern rust
✅ A preview of management strategies being tested for tar spot disease
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Dr. Darcy Telenko is an associate professor of botany and plant pathology at Purdue University. Her research program focuses on promoting sustainable and economically sound disease management practices in Indiana field crops. Her interdisciplinary plant pathology research and extension program is involved in studying the biology and management of soilborne and foliar pathogens of agronomic crops. Follow Darcy on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
Twitter/X
YouTube
Sean and Andrew are back at Purdue University with soybean expert Shaun Casteel, talking about what makes the difference between traditional and high-yield soybean management, and how you can take your crop to the next level.
The crew discusses:
✅ Planting soybeans before corn
✅ The maturity-moisture connection
✅ The importance of fungicide seed treatment in timely planting
✅ Soybean planting depths and populations
✅ When variable rate planting makes sense for soybeans
✅ The role of sulfur in soybean production
✅ The impact of narrow rows on yield
✅ Limiting factors in high-yield soybean management
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Dr. Shaun Casteel was born and raised on the family farm in east-central Illinois. He earned his B.S. in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois in 2001 while interning with many ag companies. In 2004, Shaun earned his M.S. in Crop Science at NC State University, working in cotton physiology, management, and Extension. Then, he was the agronomist for NC Department of Agriculture for the following two years. Shaun earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science (Nutrient Management) in 2009 at NC State University to round out his education as an agronomist. Shaun joined the Purdue Agronomy Department in May 2009 as the Extension Soybean and Small Grains Specialist. He addresses today's agronomic challenges of soybean and small grains through various Extension programs and applied research. Follow Shaun on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew are at Purdue University to talk to soybean expert Shaun Casteel about the science of soybean production from seed to harvest.
The crew discusses:
✅ The research being conducted by Purdue’s applied soybean research team
✅ The viability of early planting dates
✅ Optimal soybean plant height and population
✅ Drills vs. planters, and why it might be time to invest
✅ What “going rank” really means
✅ Why soybean yields vary so much
✅ Insights to help fill grain and retain pods
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Dr. Shaun Casteel was born and raised on the family farm in east-central Illinois. He earned his B.S. in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois in 2001 while interning with many ag companies. In 2004, Shaun earned his M.S. in Crop Science at NC State University, working in cotton physiology, management, and Extension. Then, he was the agronomist for NC Department of Agriculture for the following two years. Shaun earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science (Nutrient Management) in 2009 at NC State University to round out his education as an agronomist. Shaun joined the Purdue Agronomy Department in May 2009 as the Extension Soybean and Small Grains Specialist. He addresses today's agronomic challenges of soybean and small grains through various Extension programs and applied research. Follow Shaun on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew are back with Daren “Dr. Know-It-All” Mueller and Alison Robertson at Iowa State University to hear their two cents on the intense disease pressure we saw in corn and soybean fields this season.
The crew discusses:
✅ Application timing for disease management
✅ A new mindset on ROI and yield
✅ The realities of active ingredients in fungicides
✅ The rain/disease connection
✅ The geographic shift in southern rust
✅ Inside seed disease ratings
✅ The evolution of disease management
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Daren Mueller is a professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management program. Daren’s main research interests involve understanding the biology and management of field crop diseases. Daren is also a co-director of the North Central IPM Center and the Crop Protection Network. Learn more about Daren and follow him on X.
🌱 Alison Robertson is a professor at Iowa State University with a statewide responsibility for the management of diseases of field crops. She coordinates and provides leadership for corn and soybean disease diagnosis and management information and education programs for corn and soybean farmers and agribusiness professionals throughout Iowa. Learn more about Alison and follow her on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew sit down with Daren “Dr. Know-It-All” Mueller and Alison Robertson at Iowa State University to hear their two cents on disease pressure facing corn and soybean fields.
The crew discusses:
✅ The research happening in ISU extension agronomy labs
✅ The expanding potential of technology in agriculture
✅ A deep dive into southern rust and why it was so prevalent this season
✅ New thought processes behind tar spot
✅ Reminders about corn stunt disease
✅ Understanding crown rot and root rot
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Daren Mueller is a professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management program. Daren’s main research interests involve understanding the biology and management of field crop diseases. Daren is also a co-director of the North Central IPM Center and the Crop Protection Network. Learn more about Daren and follow him on X.
🌱 Alison Robertson is a professor at Iowa State University with a statewide responsibility for the management of diseases of field crops. She coordinates and provides leadership for corn and soybean disease diagnosis and management information and education programs for corn and soybean farmers and agribusiness professionals throughout Iowa. Learn more about Alison and follow her on X.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew are back with another episode from the University of Illinois' Crop Physiology Field Day. We've got the home team advantage with insights straight from the source.
The crew discusses:
✅ Multi-season fertilizer application planning
✅ SAAM rating for root architecture
✅ The difference in corn and soybeans' response to fertilizer
✅ A year-round approach to strip tillage
✅ The purpose behind the Crop Physiology Field Day
✅ A deep dive into sulfur
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Sam Leskanich is a doctoral agronomy student at the University of Illinois, focused on root architecture research using the SAAM rating.
🌱 Jared Fender is a senior research specialist and master's student at the University of Illinois, focused on building equipment to facilitate agronomy research trials.
🌱 Connor Sible is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois and the host of the Crop Physiology Field Day.
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew are on-site in Champaign, Illinois at the annual Crop Physiology Field Day with Dr. Fred Below, Dr. Connor Sible and more agronomy experts! 🌱
Meet Our Guests
Lance Tarochione, host of Ask an agronomist, gives us insight into the Crop Physiology Field Day and the history of this amazing event!
Dr. Fred Below tells us how the 7 wonders of corn yield have led to the 6 secrets of soybean success.
Dr. Marcos Loman gives us insight on some of our biggest questions: Can we still add yield late in the reproductive soybean stages? How do soybeans respond to nutrient concentration and planting dates?
Ava Isaacs shares that biologicals are the “future of agriculture,” and helps us understand the challenging categories and how to think about incorporating them into our farms!
Sean Evans gives his insight into what’s happening in the western geography, the theme, and key takeaways from the field day, and encourages the audience to attend a future field day!
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew are back with Maira Duffeck to discuss how to manage corn stunt disease and protect your yields.
The crew discusses:
✅ Where corn stunt disease has been confirmed in the U.S.
✅ How corn stunt disease is transmitted to fields, and how to manage transmission
✅ The effectiveness of treatments for corn leafhoppers and corn stunt disease
✅ Limitations and questions surrounding corn stunt disease and its treatment
Learn more about managing corn stunt disease: https://extension.okstate.edu/e-pest-alerts/2024/corn-leafhopper-leads-to-corn-stunt-outbreak-across-oklahoma-aug-12-2024.html
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Maira Rodrigues Duffeck is originally from Brazil, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in plant pathology. Her doctoral studies led her to Penn State University, where she spent two years as a visiting scholar studying Fusarium head blight of wheat. She then worked at The Ohio State University as a postdoctoral researcher studying serial pathogens and diseases in corn and wheat before starting her current position as an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University, where she balances her time between extension and research.
Learn more about Maira: https://experts.okstate.edu/mairodr
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
📲 Follow us on social:
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Sean and Andrew sit down with Maira Duffeck from Oklahoma State University to hear her two cents on the latest disease attacking corn fields.
The crew discusses:
✅ How artificial intelligence will transform disease and pest management
✅ The pathogens behind corn stunt disease, and how it’s closer to your fields than you might think
✅ How corn leafhoppers transmit corn stunt disease
✅ Tracking the progression of corn leafhoppers across the U.S. (follow along here → https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/maps/corn-leafhopper)
✅ The potential for overwintering of corn leafhoppers and corn stunt disease pathogens
✅ Symptoms of corn stunt disease and what to do if you notice them in your fields
Learn more about corn stunt disease: https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/articles/bayer/corn-stunt-spiroplasma-disease-and-red-stunt-disease-complex
Meet the Guest:
🌱 Maira Rodrigues Duffeck is originally from Brazil, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in plant pathology. Her doctoral studies led her to Penn State University, where she spent two years as a visiting scholar studying Fusarium head blight of wheat. She then worked at The Ohio State University as a postdoctoral researcher studying serial pathogens and diseases in corn and wheat before starting her current position as an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University, where she balances her time between extension and research.
Learn more about Maira: https://experts.okstate.edu/mairodr
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew are back with Matt Darr and Ben Covington from Iowa State University’s On-Site Precision Technology team in ISU’s new Digital Ag Innovation Lab to hear their two cents on how advancing the technology on your farm is simpler than you might expect.
The crew discusses:
✅ Why understanding ag technology is important for every grower
✅ The importance of education for adoption of ag tech
✅ Behind-the-scenes the Digital Ag Innovation Lab’s planter clinic
✅ The science behind downforce and planting depth
✅ How John Deere’s FurrowVision and See and Spray™ technology impacts farmers
✅ Tillage practices and soil compaction
✅ A new approach to planting soybeans
✅ The crop input you don’t want to cut corners on
Learn more about the Digital Ag Innovation Lab: https://www.isudigitalag.org/
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Matt Darr grew up on a grain and livestock farm in eastern Ohio. He attended college at the Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky before moving to Iowa with the goal of growing public/private partnerships. He now works at Iowa State University as a faculty member in their Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering department and director of the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab.
Learn more about Matt: https://www.isudigitalag.org/people/1/matt-darr
🌱 Ben Covington is originally from Maryland, but he was quickly drawn to the open fields of the “wild, wild West” of Iowa. His time with Iowa State University began in 2007, with the beginning of his pursuit of both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in agricultural systems technology. Ben works as an engineer specializing in row crop production systems for ISU’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab.
Learn more about Ben: https://www.isudigitalag.org/people/1/benjamin-covington
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Sean and Andrew sit down with Matt Darr and Ryan Huffman from Iowa State University’s On-Site Precision Technology team in ISU’s new Digital Ag Innovation Lab to hear their two cents on the latest ag technology.
The crew discusses:
✅ What Matt and Ryan are excited about in agriculture
✅ The science of precision technology
✅ Understanding the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab
✅ Planters and row units
✅ Tilling and residue management
✅ John Deere’s Furrow Vision and See & Spray™ technology
✅ Future possibilities in autonomy and what Matt and Ryan want to research next
Learn more about the Digital Ag Innovation Lab: https://www.isudigitalag.org/
Meet the Guests:
🌱 Matt Darr grew up on a grain and livestock farm in eastern Ohio. He attended college at the Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky before moving to Iowa with the goal of growing public/private partnerships. He now works at Iowa State University as a faculty member in their Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering department and director of the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab.
Learn more about Matt: https://www.isudigitalag.org/people/1/matt-darr
🌱 Ryan Huffman was born and raised in central Iowa, where he continues to live and work today. Driven by a fascination for data, Ryan was led to agronomy, studying how to leverage data and technology to improve agricultural practices. He now works as the digital agronomy research manager for ISU’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab.
Learn more about Ryan: https://www.isudigitalag.org/people/1/ryan-huffman
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Join us for a fantastic discussion with Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig! We discuss industry advocacy and interacting with local and national governments. We discuss the future of Iowa agriculture, its impact on the national stage, and we even get some great insights into sustainability efforts in production agriculture!
A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.
⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!
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Dr. Fred Below and Dr. Connor Sible provide us with practical insights into pushing the yield limits on our farms, offering research-backed suggestions accumulated over 40 years of learning. Tillage practices, fertility timing, fungicide, populations, and more! Join us for a fantastic episode!
Join us on the campus of The University of Illinois as we discuss the science behind high-yielding corn and soybeans with Dr. Fred Below and Dr. Connor Sible! Amazing insights into crop physiology, nutrient concentration, timing, and 40 years of understanding corn plants!
Soil Compaction, "often known as the hidden yield-limiting factor," can be minimized through strategic and intentional choices on our farms. Please tune in to hear the research and advice from Dr. John Fulton and his fantastic team at Ohio State University!
See more from A Penney For Your Thoughts 👇
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Soil compaction plays a massive role in corn and soybean production. Dr. Fulton provides insight into how these biological, chemical, and physical soil components are affected by soil compaction. We also gain insight into Dr. Fulton and his team's research better to understand this complex aspect of our soil health.
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Episode #2 Live from Commodity Classic inside the Bayer booth! We are incredibly grateful for our hosts, DEKALB and Asgrow, and these incredible farmers for pushing the envelope on corn and soybean yields! Hear about their success in 2024 and their plans for the 2025 growing season!
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Hear from Asgrow and Dekalb brand leadership and NCGA Corn winners as we go live from the Bayer Booth at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver!
2024 was an incredible year for The Preceon Smart Corn System! Join Andrew and me as we interview growers, FSRs, and the Bayer Launch team - Live from the 2025 GroundBreakers Year End Celebration Event in Tucson, Arizona!
Join Andrew and Sean on a journey with Bayer's exceptional leadership team! We will gain valuable insight into the Preceon Smart Corn System and dive deeper into the science, breeding, research, and development of the world's most innovative agriculture and technology company. It was a truly fantastic experience to hear from this leadership team during the Ground Breakers year-end celebration!
Dr. Travis Faske and Dr. Daren Mueller help us understand managing southern rust and other complicated diseases as we consider the 2024 growing season and critical takeaways for 2025!
Dr. Travis Faske from Arkansas State University and special guest co-host Dr. Daren Mueller from Iowa State University help us understand southern rust's pathogen and life cycle. Where did it come from, and what can we expect as we learn more about this disease that was so prevalent in 2024?
Dr. Mike Castellano provides insight into managing nitrogen programs and how to manage corn and soybean residue best.
Dr. Mike Castellano gives us an in-depth look at the science behind nitrogen, interactions with our soils, the process for creating ammonia, and the environmental considerations around nitrogen management. We also discuss the impact of residue and critical considerations for your residue management strategy.
Ear rots can lead to mycotoxins, significantly impacting grain quality and livestock. Learn more about managing these infections and the research looking at how the Viptera trait impacts the disease complex!
Ear Rots and Mycotoxins, BT Traits, and Viptera - Science and research at the University of Tennessee help us understand what to look out for and how to manage our corn crop!
Here are the links to the research - https://news.utcrops.com/2024/09/hot-topic-ear-rots-and-mycotoxin-management-in-corn/
Dr. Brown is an extension-research entomologist with the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in Jackson, TN. Sebe has statewide responsibilities for arthropod pest management in major field crops including corn, cotton, soybean, sorghum and wheat. His educational and applied research programs focus on the most important pests affecting these crops.
Dr. Kelly serves as extension-research plant pathologist at The University of Tennessee in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in Jackson, TN. The majority of her time is concentrated on the control of diseases in cotton, corn, soybean, and wheat. She is responsible for all disease control recommendations of field crops except tobacco for Tennessee. This includes the development of statewide educational programs covering cotton, corn, soybean, and small grains. More information can be found on
Corn yields continue to climb - that means residue continues to build! The market is full of "management products," how should we think about residue management and crop physiology? Join Connor Sible as we take an in-depth look at his research, and he provides insight into best practices for growers!
Snake Oil or Viper Lipids? Dr. Connor Sible gives us an in-depth review of the biological space, including biostimulants, biological controls, and PGRs!
Which is more effective? A plane, drone, or ground rig? Tune in to discover the research results done over the past two years at Iowa State University!
Fungicides are evolving to meet the needs of our crops, and application methods are changing to be more timely! How do these new actives respond to varying application methods and results? Join Daren Mueller from Iowa State University and Andrew Penney as we discuss the testing protocols and collection methods to answer these questions!
Research from Crop Protection Network - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/web-books/fungicide-use-in-field-crops
Fungicide Efficacy for Foliar Control in Corn - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/fungicide-efficacy-for-control-of-corn-diseases
Bayer launched the Preceon Smart Corn System with a fantastic group of growers in 2023! These groundbreakers helped pave the way for this exciting innovation in agriculture! Andrew and I had the pleasure of hearing from several critical leaders within Bayer during the wrap-up event in Arizona. Join us to listen to insights from these leaders as they discuss the Preceon Smart Corn System and the direction Bayer is headed with their science and technology!
These emerging diseases are moving further North each growing season! Dr. Tom Allen gives us insight into management strategies and key considerations when/if they hit our growing areas!
Corn diseases, soybean diseases, too many diseases!
Dr. Tom Allen dives into the science behind these emerging pathogens affecting corn and soybeans! Curvularia impacts corn similar to eye-spot, and Taproot Decline is easily confused with SDS. Let's learn together so we know how to understand what to expect as these emerging pathogens make their way north!
Click here to view the publication on Taproot Decline - bit.ly/4bsppuR
Click here to view the publication on Curvularia - bit.ly/44QHYGm
Round 2 with Dr. Rodrigo Werle and special co-host Meaghan Anderson - We discuss corn herbicides and critical considerations for 2024 and beyond this time!
Managing Soybean Herbicides is becoming increasingly complex, and IPM concerns are mounting! Join our great co-host Meaghan Anderson and fellow nozzle head Rodrigo Werle as we discuss the intricacies of managing soybean herbicides in a constantly changing environment!
Hear from the inaugural group of Bayer Preceon Groundbreakers from 2023 as they discuss their experiences using short-stature hybrids, the management tactics they tried, and their excitement for next season!
Dr. Casteel from Purdue University guides Andrew and me through the research on the impact of high-input management in soybeans.
We discuss the basics of success, including row spacing, timely planting, and fertility, and then go in-depth into the nuances of manipulating the plant with input timing and decisions!
Dr. Shaun Casteel from Purdue University is back to discuss his research on high-speed planters in soybeans and the results of using digital imagery to analyze canopy and reflectance data to create yield prediction models!
How does high input management affect corn yield? Dr. Dan Quinn from Purdue University reveals how corn yields are affected by population, fungicide, starter fertilizer, sulfur, micronutrients, tissue sampling, nitrogen, and more! This jam-packed episode explores the results of the excellent research Purdue and Dr. Dan Quinn are doing!
Click here for the results of the studies referenced in the podcast! - https://t.co/NsrzNyXJQC
Dr. Daniel J Quinn from Purdue University gives us an in-depth look at the science behind his research on high-management corn. Planting timing, population, fertilizer, application timing, and more are all discussed during this great peek behind the curtains at how a leading agriculture school is approaching high-yield management.
Click here to see his published results - https://bit.ly/DrQuinnResearch
It's an awesome wrap-up episode! Dr. Shaun Casteel (Purdue University) talks to us about the importance of timely soybean planting. Root development vs. vegetative growth and the impact of soil fertility!
Dr. Chad Lee (University of Kentucky) helps us understand the unique environment in Kentucky. Vols, slugs, high-quality wheat, tar-spot, corn yields and more!
The 2023 agronomist episode has been an amazing series! Give us insight into guests you want to hear for 2024!
Dr. Dan Quinn from Purdue University and Field Extension Specialist Angie Rieck-Hinz from Iowa State University gave us key learnings from their 2023 growing seasons.
There is a ton of great insight in this short podcast!
Never stop learning, keep the faith, red crown rot, Purdue Basketball! D3 drought, Fertility, Potassium, Sulfur, and more!
Enjoy and thanks for learning with us!
Drought, Corn Root Worm, Extended Diapause, Dectes Stem Bore, and more... Oh my! Join Dr. Nick Seiter, University of Illinois, and Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti for great insights from the 2023 challenging growing season and key takeaways as we plan for 2024!
A double dose of Nebraska! In his year-end review, Nathan Mueller discusses drought conditions, tar spot, gall midge, hybrids, maturity selections in corn and soybeans, and more! We welcome John Fech as our first arborist on the show! John talks about the impact of drought on turf and trees and gives us insight into how vital soil conditions are in challenging weather.
Meaghan discusses tarpot, soybeans, chemical stewardship, and other key takeaways from Iowa in 2023! Wayne weighs in on tarpot in Missouri, soybean gall midge, and other learnings from the past growing season!
How we manage our soybeans significantly impacts yield potential and can dramatically affect the complex diseases we face! Join us as we discuss working with the Diaporthe Complex with one of the industry's leading professionals, Dr. Febina Mathew, from North Dakota State University!
The Diaporthe complex is... extremely complex! Join Dr. Febina Mathew as we discuss the science behind this disease family. We cover stem canker, Diaporthe seed decay (Phomopsis), and pod and stem blight.
Dr. Mark Westgate discusses corn physiology and the effects of heat and drought stress on yield and plant resiliency. Dr. Westgate also discusses critical considerations as we consider plant partitioning and how to manage for the highest results on our own farms!
Join us as we discuss soybean physiology with Dr. Mark Westgate! We will discuss the unique characteristics of a C3 soybean plant. Management considerations and the impact heat and drought have on soybean growth and reproductive development.
Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti discusses the essential considerations for managing nitrogen in corn and soybeans. We gain critical insight into the amount of nitrogen we need, methods of applications, and pressing concerns around variability in soil types. Dr. Ciampitti also discusses nitrogen efficiency, considering the weather over the past few years!
Kansas State Agronomy - https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/
Learn more about Dr. Ciampitti's Lab - https://ciampittilab.wixsite.com/ciampitti-lab
Nitrogen is a foundational building block for our corn and soybeans. Dr. Ignacio takes us on a deep dive into the science of why nitrogen is essential, the forms widely available, and how this critical component of fertility interacts with our soil and plants!
Dr. Steve Whitham joins us to discuss the challenges of plant viruses. This complex conversation helps us understand key considerations when thinking about corn virus management.
We also discuss RNA interference in agriculture and food production systems.
RNAi is complicated!
Join us as we talk with Dr. Steve Whitham from Iowa State about the infection process of plant viruses, the RNAi process, and some ways we use this technology.
In our last episode, we discussed the science behind soil sampling. This week, Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz helps us understand how to practically apply the information to make the best real-world fertilizer applications. Andrew and Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz also discuss the challenges of adjusting PH and ensuring our soil is balanced for the high yields we are pursuing!
Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz from Kansas State University gives an in-depth look at soil sciences. We discuss how to sample and interpret soil samples. Balanced fertility is critical to our high-yield goals. Soil science is the basis for understanding how to accomplish our on-farm objectives!
What is the practical application of the research being done at the University of Wisconsin Madison? How do we apply the learnings of Dr. Conley and his team to our soybean fields?
Join us as we discuss the thoughts around practice changes, planting dates, fertility timing, seed treatment, fungicide and more!
Shawn Conley is back by popular demand!
Shawn and his team use accurate grower data and predictive analytics to help producers understand the outcomes of practice changes in their soybean production. Increase yield and ROI using precise information from other growers!
Darcy Telenko and Darren Mueller join Andrew and me as we examine the management considerations for this complex disease in the corn! Hybrid reviews, application of fungicide timing, and delivery method are all covered!
Give us a 5-star review, and please share the podcast!
Darcy Telenko is one of the most respected pathologist and has been on the forefront of this challenging disease since 2018!
Join us as special co-host guest Darren Mueller helps us unpack this challenging topic with Darcy Telenko!
In this first episode we take a deep dive into the science of tar-spot including how we first discovered the pathogen and what we have learned about it over the past 4.5 years.
Dr. Greg Tylka walks us through the tools and management practices we should consider to combat this difficult pest! Rotations, soybean resistance, and new tools on the market! Join us for an in-depth look at soybean cyst nematode management.
Dr. Greg Tylka gives us an in-depth look at soybean cyst nematodes! The science behind their survival in the winter, infection in soybean plants, and the reproductive nature of this pest! We even discuss the science behind corn cyst!
Join us as we discuss the best management practices for Pythium and Phytophthora with Dr. Santiago Mideros from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Enjoy this episode as we dig deep into the science behind Oomycete pathogens, specifically Pythium & Phytophthora, in corn and soybeans with our special guest Dr. Santiago Mideros from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Ty Barten discusses the exciting potential of short-stature hybrids, and the management practices growers can adopt alongside this new technology. We discuss plant population, nutritional considerations, and fungicide use.
Ty Barten talks to us about Short Corn! Short-stature hybrids have the opportunity to impact agriculture in a significant way. Listen as Ty talks about the science behind this exciting new plant structure!
Dr. Edwin Benkert III gives an in-depth look at insecticides, rotational practices, and RNAi, the newest technology in 2023! Join us as we get in-depth ideas on best management practices for corn on corn fields in 2023.
Join us as we discuss the science of corn rootworm with Dr. Edwin Benkert III from Bayer Crop Science. Edwin helps us understand the science behind this incredibly damaging pest and the science behind the tools we can use to mitigate them! Part 1 covers the science and part 2 we will dive into grower management!
Part 2 of our white mold discussion with Dr. Damon Smith. In this episode, we discuss the management of this disease.Click here for more information about this disease - www.ipcm.wisc.edu
Join us as we discuss optimal planter set-ups with Scott Meldrum, Integrated Solutions Manager with Van Wall Equipment (John Deere), and Scott Chizmar, Precision Farming Specialist with Sievers Equipment Company (Case IH).
These experts provide insights into planter preparation and optimal setup to ensure the best start to the 2023 growing season!
Join Dr. Damon Smith from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as we discuss the science behind white mold in soybeans. Dr. Smith gives us an in-depth view of this soybean pathogen.
Matt Nelson is our guest co-host as we interview Dr. Bill Johnson. Join us as we discuss all things weed science and chemistry!
Andrew Penney and Sean Blomgren. Part four of our agronomist series! Hear key takeaways and highlights from the 2022 growing season and insights into planning for 2023! Join Dean Grossnickle, Jim McDermott, Lauren Botine, and Neal Borgmeyer!
Part three of our agronomist series! Hear key takeaways and highlights from the 2022 growing season and insights into planning for 2023! Join Paige Thompson, Matt Nelson, Brian Green, and Katherine Rod!
Part two of our agronomist series! Hear key takeaways and highlights from the 2022 growing season and insights into planning for 2023! Join Jeremy Miner, Holly Thrasher, Jim Donnelly, and Nicole Stecklien!
Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and listeners! Thank you for making this show a success!
Join special guests Scott Johnson, Rich Judge, Lance Goetch, Josh Enderson, and John Swalwell as we discuss what we learned in the 2022 growing season and critical takeaways for 2023 planning. These great agronomists cover multiple companies and geographies.
Dr. Marty Chilvers from Michigan State University discusses in-depth the research and questions he is focused on. What do we know about this disease, and what challenges are posed by researching the pathogen?
Check out Dr. Marty Chilvers on Twitter @MartinChilvers1 and @CropNetwork
Click here for a video on Tar Spot - https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/tar-spot-in-corn
Join us as we discuss crown rot with industry expert Dr. Tamra Jackson-Ziems from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. This complex disease was prevalent in 2022! What considerations should we make as we plan our 2023 crop?
Harvest updates from Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri! Hear from growers as they recount their season-long observations, harvest updates, and key takeaways from 2022!
Connect with our growers on social media!
Twitter - @scottwestacre @BradTolson @aus_schleich21 @farmerishere
Special thanks to all our guests!
Reach out to the show - apenney4yourthoughts@gmail.com
Join Shawn Conley, www.coolbean.info Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, as we discuss high-yield management in soybeans.
In this episode, we discuss key factors to producing high-yielding soybeans including genetics, trait technology, planting dates, fertility, and much more!
Follow Shawn on Twitter @badgerbean
Email the show - apenney4yourthoughts@gmail.com
Join our special guest, professor of Ag Economics Michael Langemeier from the University of Purdue, as we discuss the world supply of Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. Where does our fertility come from? What affects supply? What should we expect of prices? How do we apply this information to our farms in 2023 and beyond?
Interact with Professor Michael Langemeier - https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/home/
Email us at - apenney4yourthoughts@gmail.com
Where does our corn go as it dries down? Why is there less grain in the bin when we haul it out than when we put it in? What is the idea harvest moisture? Join Andrew and Sean as they discuss these topics with Dr. Mark Licht from Iowa State University!
Conact Dr. Licht @ lichtma@iastate.edu
To make podcast requests or suggestions email us - a penney4yourthoughts@gmail.com
Our special guest Kiersten Wise, Ph.D with the University of Kentucky discusses ear rots, mycotoxins and grain management! Scouting for ear rots, managing grain storage and understanding affects of grain quality for livestock producers.
Information about Mycotoxins - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/mycotoxin-faqs
Information about Ear Rots - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/an-overview-of-ear-rots
To contact Kiersten:
kiersten.wise@uky.edu
on twitter - @cropdoc08
- Alison Robertson joins our discussion as we talk about tar spot. How does it infect plants, why is it difficult to manage, and what should we plan for 2023 and the future?!?
Connect with Alison -
alisonr@iastate.edu or on twitter @alisonrisu
Thanks for listening!
Weeds matter all year long. How do we evaluate weeds and herbicides from the combine cab? Join Bayer agronomist Matt Nelson as we discuss! Connect with Matt Nelson on Twitter @mnelson_isu or his cell at +1 (712) 540-8419
Iowa State University’s Daren Mueller discusses Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome. Disease origins and management practices, as well as what to expect for the remainder of the growing season!
Sean Blomgren with Blomgren Seed and Andrew Penney with Bayer talk weekly agronomy insights and trends in agriculture!